RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed 15 cases of measles across the state and said last week it had the first hospitalized case since December 2025.

“Measles is not a disease of the past — it is still present in our state,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, director of the Division of Public Health at NCDHHS. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is a simple but powerful step we can all take to keep our communities healthy.”

Most measles cases in the state are associated with visits to known outbreak areas and have affected the unvaccinated, according to NCDHHS.

NCDHHS continues to recommend that all unvaccinated people ages 1 and older receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Residents should also talk with their provider about vaccination before traveling internationally or to an outbreak area in the country.

NCDHHS reports the cases have primarily affected unvaccinated individuals who visited outbreak areas.

Part of NCDHHS’s efforts includes text notifications about potential measles exposures to inform people who may have been near a confirmed case and provide information on next steps to protect their health.

“Individuals who receive a message may have been present at a location during a specific date and time when exposure could have occurred. Receiving a text message does not mean a person has measles, but it does mean they may have been exposed and should follow the guidance provided,” NCDHHS wrote in a news release.

Residents may also be contacted by their local health department or an NC Public Health Outreach Team member by phone, email or an in-person visit.

Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth, two to three days after symptoms begin
• A rash that is red, raised and blotchy that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
• Measles can also cause complications including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and suppression of the immune system.

NCDHHS has also created a measles toolkit, including flyers, graphics and other outreach materials.

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is also available at many retail pharmacies. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.

NCDHHS also offers a measles immunity checker tool for those unsure whether they need additional protection.

For more information, visit the NCDHHS website.

Copyright 2026 WECT. All rights reserved.